bummer

1 of 2

noun (1)

bum·​mer ˈbə-mər 

: one that bums

bummer

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: an unpleasant experience (such as a bad reaction to a hallucinogenic drug)

2

: failure, flop

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• down
• downer

Noun (2)

• bindle stiff
• bum
• hobo
• sundowner [Australian]
• swaggie [chiefly Australian]
• swagman [chiefly Australian]
• tramp
• vagabond
• vagrant

Examples of bummer in a Sentence

Noun (1)

boy, breaking your leg right before vacation is a bummer

the cancellation of the holiday office party was a total bummer

that new start-up company proved to be a real bummer

Noun (2)

a lifelong bummer, he never knew the satisfaction of having to work for a living

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Yet that logistical change was an undeniable bummer for those waiting throngs. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 11 May 2025

This decades-old favor will pay off in a big way for Sal and make an already-humiliating evening even more of a bummer of Matt, though neither of them realizes this yet. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 7 May 2025

The Lillard-less Bucks will be a bit of a bummer, but more saliently, the timing of this injury may knock a seven-time All-NBA star out of next season, too. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

Pettit's return to Earth is a bit of a bummer for space fans, who will soon be deprived of a source of enjoyment. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

probably modification of German Bummler loafer, from bummeln to dangle, loaf

Noun (2)

bum entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1855, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bummer

• comer
• drummer
• dumber
• hummer
• plumber
• plummer
• somer
• summer
• trimer
• midsummer
• newcomer

Kids Definition

bummer

noun

bum·​mer

ˈbəm-ər

1

: an unpleasant experience, event, or situation

2

: something that fails : flop

Etymology

Noun

²bum